• The Principles of Sustainability

• Our Partners

• Members

• The Board

• Contact Us

• Join Us

• Make a Contribution

I.	Interdependence, participation, providing information, and improving science
II.	Provide intergenerational equity and durability
III.	Support and improve the rules of governance
IV.	Maintain and, if possible, enhance the quality of society through  community building
V.	Maintain and, if possible, enhance the quality of human life
VI.	Maintain and, if possible, enhance economic vitality
VII.	Maintain and, if possible, enhance the quality of the environment

 

IV.

Maintain and, if possible, enhance the quality of society through community building

A sustainable society is one that persists and thrives.  It provides a high quality of life for all of its inhabitants without harming the integrity and productivity of the natural systems and resources upon which all life depends.  Humans' needs and desires are met within the limits of what nature can provide.
Choices on design, particularly at medium and high density, greatly affect energy use and natural materials consumption.  Public transport and road investment, and decisions that affect an individual’s car ownership choices are important when talking about improving the quality of society through community building.  

PRINCIPLES

1.	A focus on building sustainable communities. Communities should be the primary locus of responsibility for creating a sustainable society.  This is because most of the individual behaviors and governmental policies that support sustainability are best nurtured at the local level.  The human species has an innate inclination to care about our neighbors and our community, and the beauty of the natural environment in the place which we happen to call home.
2.	The value of diversity A sustainable society values diversity because it provides strength and resilience to the human community, just as it does in nature.  A sustainable society resolves the inherent conflicts among its members through peaceful, respectful and non-violent means.
3.	Open space The community should contain an ample supply of specialized open space in the form of squares, greens and parks whose frequent use is encouraged through placement and design.
4.	Infrastructure Infrastructure can be defined as the basic facilities, services, and installations needed for the functioning of a community or society. Sustainable infrastructure systems deal with energy systems, water and wastewater, stormwater management, and solid waste management. Though the solutions for each sector differ, all grew out of creative thinking, a team approach to problem-solving, and a belief in more efficient, productive use of resources.
5.	Wired Communities Communities should use and invest in technology that supports the ability of local enterprises to succeed, improves civic life, and provides open access to information and resources. Coupled with the development of online educational content and access to useful information online (like job opportunities, childcare, health and benefits information) progress can be made in wired communities.
6.	Employment Opportunities The ability to find work, be provided with healthy work and stay healthy is significantly shaped by socio-economic status. Employment is one of the most strongly evidenced determinants of health.  People’s employment status and the nature of their work have a direct bearing on their physical and mental health and even their life expectancy.  This is related to income, a sense of making a valuable contribution and increased social networks gained through work.
7	Provide life-long skills by investing in educational institutions Because human resources are so valuable in the information age, communities should provide life-long skills and learning opportunities by investing in excellent schools, post-secondary institutions, and opportunities for continuous education and training available to all.
8.	Regional institutions and services Regional institutions and services (government, stadiums, museums, etc.) should be located in the urban core.
9.	Sustainable construction methods and materials Materials and methods of construction should be specific to the region, exhibiting a continuity of history and culture and compatibility with the climate to encourage the development of local character and community identity.
10.	Integration of transit systems The location and character of the community should be consistent with a larger transit network.  The regional land-use planning structure should be integrated within a larger transportation network built around transit rather than freeways.
11.	Vehicles, and transportation systems Measures to minimize the impact that vehicles, the manufacturing of vehicles, the construction of roads, and production of cement have  on the environment.  Most cities are dependent upon global transportation systems. Particulates and other pollutants from the burning of fossil fuels and biomass are transported long distances. Global air chemistry is thus affected by local air pollution. Further, humans suffer health effects due to air pollution from distant sources.
12.	Streets, pedestrian and bike paths Streets, pedestrian paths and bike paths should contribute to a system of fully-connected and interesting routes to all destinations. Their design should encourage pedestrian and bicycle use by being small and spatially defined by buildings, trees and lighting; and by discouraging high speed traffic.